Spike TV Orders College Football Comedy Pilot To Be Produced by Varsity Pictures’ Brian Robbins and Lionsgate

Spike TV will tackle the crazy antics of a big-time Midwestern college football program in the pilot, “Blue Mountain State.” The half-hour scripted comedy, in the vein of “Animal House,” will be produced by Varsity Pictures’ Brian Robbins (“Norbit,” “Varsity Blues,” “Smallville”) and Sharla Sumpter-Bridgett and Lionsgate, with Robbins set to direct. The pilot was written by Chris Romano & Eric Falconer (“The Sarah Silverman Program”, “Always Sunny In Philadelphia”)

“Blue Mountain State” follows three incoming freshmen attending college football powerhouse Blue Mountain St. University. Former NFL running back and veteran actor, Ed Marinaro (“Monk,” “8 Simple Rules,” “Hill St. Blues”) stars as the coach. “Alex,” played by Darin Brooks (“Big Bounce”) is a talented quarterback, content to ride the bench while partying with his best friend “Sammy,” played by Romano, who aspires to be the school’s mascot. “Craig,” played by Sam Jones III (“Glory Road”), on the other hand, is the school’s top recruit and future NFL pro whose life is already mapped out for him by his controlling girlfriend, “Denise,” played by Gabrielle Dennis (“My Name is Earl”). The three must quickly adapt to college life and juggle football, girls, classes and nonstop hazing. The cast also includes “Thad,” played by Alan Ritchson (“Smallville”), a senior on the football team who loves hazing incoming freshman. The pilot goes into production in February, 2009.

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